Airplane Play Structure
For a long time now, we have wanted to build a small play structure for the kids out back. We wanted something that would encourage imagination and, well, be different. Since I’m an aerospace engineer my wife suggested we build an airplane. I knew this was going to be tough. I wanted to design a plane that was fairly simple and could be built in a weekend. The problem was actually making it look like a plane and yet still be an easy build. In case you didn’t know, airplanes have pretty complex surfaces. Nonetheless, after a couple design iterations I think we nailed it. But tell me what you think in the comments.
To see the entire project build with tons of photos make sure you check out my first post on The Home Depot blog!
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Required Tools
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Drill/Driver
- Miter Saw
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw (Optional)
- Router (Optional)
- Brad Nailer
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
Materials
- 2x – 2 x 12 x 8′ (treated lumber)
- 1x – 2 x 10 x 10′ (treated lumber)
- 3x – 2 x 8 x 8′ (treated lumber)
- 2x – 8″ Lawn Mower Wheel
- 1/2″ Steel Rod
- 1/2″ Internal Tooth Lock Washers
- 2-1/2″ Kreg Pocket Hole Screws (Coarse)
- 2-1/2″ Wood Screws
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Dimensions
Cut List
How to Build an Airplane Play Structure
As always, I’ve included the step-by-step plans to build this awesome airplane play structure. Take a look at how easy this project really is to build. If you choose to take on this project you can download a printable PDF of the project plans using the link below.
Questions? Comments?
As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below and especially don’t forget to post pictures of your finished products in the comments! ENJOY!
Beautiful and so unique.
Thanks Jaime!
I love this. I can’t wait to get home from vacation and build it!!!
Thanks Lisa!
I love this! My husband and grandson are so much into remote control planes! We are going to build it for Landon? Thank you for the instructions
Awesome Trish! Be sure to post pictures when you do.
thanks for the plans. Looking forward to starting this bill tomorrow.
However, I think there’s a mistake on the cut list. It should be a 2 x 10 x 10. 2 60 inch cuts won’t happen on an 8 foot board.
Thanks again for all the DIY plans. Much appreciated.
Good catch Jim. That was a typo and I’ve corrected it. Thanks for the heads up, I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
I love this! I’m so glad you posted it on Facebook so I could find it. My kids are too old at this point, but I’m thinking I would be the coolest aunt ever if I made one for my 3 nephews under 4.
Thanks Liz! You most definitely would!
Jamie
I love your plans I looking to modify the heck out of the this one I would like to make it a four seater 2×2. Any suggestions. Also I have to thank you. I showed my wife you site. I getting a cordless brad nailer for Christmas. HD should not always email receipts. Lol. But my build list just got larger. We should have a new kitchen table come the new year. Also I just bought the material for the trestle desk think of staining it red.
Haha, Thanks Ted. Those brand nailers are sweet. Looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Being a manufacturing engineer in aerospace myself and a handyman on the side I love this project! Definitely doing for my 2 boys! So glad found your site!
Thanks Mitch! Happy building.
I’ve since added a large swivel caster on the back and hooks on the front to pull the boys with my 4-wheeler!
HA! Now that is AWESOME!
I used white oak, red oak and treated pine. It is HEAVY!
I still have to paint
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I had to add some photos of a plane my dad made for us out of wood vegetable crates that you could grab from behind grocery stores back in the day. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fe5bbe296ff6421c55d042668d24c5d6d67e50c5a42f5d50bc910e3a6a7676ae.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/af59c4e32be09ff173bd1668ab74629d0c5cd1d32cb7a3b6f76202a2cc3dd51b.jpg
I remember those days. Good too remember.
greets from hungary 😉
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eb3911358eba36531cd450f2f870fde4d34480c826911fe604c4371fa379f110.jpg
How long does it normally take to get the plans? It’s been 30 min, but I don’t have them in my inbox.
Yes, I know that I am impatient.
They should come immediately. Check your junk folder and if they are not in there then just shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will send them to you manually.